Lori and I are excited to welcome our new little one, Joseph Francis. Born on July 24, 2014 at 3:40am at Adventist Hospital in Hong Kong. Little Joe came into this world weighing 8 lbs 6 oz and 21 in long. He is nearing his three week birthday and keeping Lori and I with 'all hands on deck'.
We are incredibly blessed to have Joe join our family. The outpouring of love from around the world has touched us deeply. Friends, family and colleagues from near and far have shared their excitement and sent their support.
The overwhelming kindness and generosity has been constant and we are forever grateful. Messages on Facebook, emails, phone calls, texts, WhatsApp's, Skype calls, FaceTime's, cards/gifts, home cooked meals, dog-sitters and the list goes on. Thank you to the many wonderful people that have made us feel at home and comfortable during this transition.
This little guy doesn't do much more than eat, sleep, poop/pee, cry and goo goo ga ga. But he keeps us BUSY! We have been non-stop for the last several weeks, around the clock. As we get into our new routine and rhythm, he teaches us something new each day. Truly a time of learning and discovery.
A good friend shared some words of wisdom regarding birth and meeting a new little one for the first time, "It's such an amazing experience. It's crazy how you can instantly love this little person right when you meet them!" I couldn't agree more. It is an amazing feeling. A blessing. True love.
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| Joseph Francis Vander Poel |
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| Eyes wide open |
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| Tiny footprint |
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| Long limbs (thank you for the onesie Sandra and Stu!) |
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| Welcome to your Hong Kong home |
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| Thank you for the LOVELY hand knit sweater Carla! |
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| Thank you for the mustashe onesie and night balm Dave + Angie :) |
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| Retro card from the Silvera Lindemers (thank you Onie!) |
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| Retro card part 2 |
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| This came in handy on an early outing for dad, thank you Jennifer! |
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| Sunita, your home cooked meals are clearly made with love and they are incredible!!! |
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| Lovely kale salad, thank you Misha! |
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| Delicious taco night, thank you Yui and Kayla! |
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| Dosh + Lola play date, thanks for the amazing support Misha and Erisa! |
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| Dosh on a walk with Brian our dog walker, very happy pup! |
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| Tummy time with pops (thanks for the onesies and clothes Sarah and Travis!) |
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| A great kid enjoying a nap (thanks for the hat Patti!). |
**Thank you to the many others that have given us a lovely gift, card, meal or kind gesture!**
Love the pics! How sweet to take pictures of all the little gifts of love. Glad you can feel the community close to you even though you are far away. Keep up the good work!
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